Director of County Relations/Human Services Manager 4

$104,520 - $149,656/Yr

State of Minnesota - Saint Paul, MN

Full-time - Manager

Saint Paul, MN

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Director of County Relations, reporting to the Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), is a highly visible position that will support, develop, and facilitate relationships between DCYF and Minnesota's 87 counties. The incumbent will be an advocate for counties and will advise leadership and staff on strengthening DCYF's relationship with counties. The overarching objective is to maximize the value of public investments in the administration of human services through effective partnerships with counties, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for the people and communities served. In this role, the Director will represent and act on behalf of the Commissioner in matters related to county relations. This includes developing and implementing ongoing engagement structures for DCYF and counties to work collaboratively, including statutorily mandated intergovernmental advisory bodies. The Director will participate in task forces, committees, and advisory groups identified in consultation with DCYF leadership, ensuring that DCYF staff and leadership are well-informed about current issues and concerns. The Director will facilitate partnerships with counties and local officials, increasing awareness of and participation in the development of policies, processes, and initiatives that affect counties. Acting as a liaison between DCYF and Minnesota's counties, the Director will serve as a conduit of information among parties, ensuring consistent messaging on significant matters, effective engagement methods, and support for resolving program policy and operational issues. Additionally, the Director will coordinate with DCYF Tribal Relations and other state human services agencies on county matters. As a member of the DCYF's senior leadership team, the Director will assist in developing DCYF strategic directions and advising on issues of importance to counties, ensuring that a county perspective informs DCYF decision-making. The role also includes supervising county liaison staff, providing guidance and support to ensure effective operations and collaboration with county partners.

Responsibilities

• Represent and act on behalf of the Commissioner in matters related to county relations.
• Develop and implement ongoing engagement structures for DCYF and counties to work collaboratively.
• Participate in task forces, committees, and advisory groups identified in consultation with DCYF leadership.
• Represent DCYF at meetings with county human services administrators, county elected officials, and other local governments.
• Facilitate partnerships with counties and local officials.
• Increase awareness of and participation in the development of policies and initiatives that affect counties.
• Act as a liaison between DCYF and Minnesota's 87 counties, ensuring consistent messaging and effective engagement methods.
• Serve as a member of the DCYF's senior leadership team, assisting in developing strategic directions and advising on county-related issues.
• Supervise county liaison staff.

Requirements

• 5 years of leadership/management experience demonstrating advanced policy analysis and/or legislative experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively lead and explain complex policies and proposals.
• Ability to work effectively with department colleagues and external partners.
• Ability to research, analyze, and interpret complex issues.
• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Work, or a closely related field; a master's degree substitutes for 18 months of experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Social Work, Juris Doctor (J.D.) or closely related field.
• Previous experience working in county relations.
• Supervisory or lead worker experience with demonstrated skills in setting priorities and managing projects.
• Experience working effectively with diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support
• Daily Living/Convenience Services.